Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office under investigation: I-Team

LORAIN, Ohio (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team has learned the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office , along with the state auditor’s office and the FBI, are investigating the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office.

The sheriff is asking a judge for a special prosecutor and a special grand jury. That request is pending.

Sheriff officials sent the I-Team the following statement:

“We are working cooperatively with the Cleveland office of the FBI (Public Corruption Unit), as well as the Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber’s office ( Special Investigations Unit).”

This week, the I-Team also received several cell phone videos that show an argument between Lorain County Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson and his former girlfriend, who was also a former employee. The videos were taken by the former girlfriend.

Attorney Kenneth Lieux, who represents the woman, told the I-Team his client took the videos to protect herself.

He too has seen the videos and says his client alleges that Tomlinson smacked her with an open hand in one of the videos, which was taken last year in Tomlinson’s office.

The sheriff’s office confirmed they saw the videos and that the videos are part of the ongoing investigation.

We reached out to Tomlinson to discuss the matter and he declined an on camera interview. He did, however, send the following statement:

“I cannot comment on an ongoing investigation. However, I have never struck a woman in my life, including Jen Battistelli. And I have committed no crimes. I do regret losing my temper and using inappropriate language. The recent attacks on me are purely political. The previous prosecutor I defeated in 2020 currently works for the Lorain County Sheriff. My opponent in the fall election also holds a position within the sheriff’s office. Both of these positions were invented to accommodate these lawyers. The Sheriff doesn’t need them. I employ more than 30 lawyers that represent the sheriff. It’s easy to connect the dots. I will not let these premeditated political attacks distract me from my commitment to bring justice to victims, provide service to Lorain County government, and keep our community safe.”

According to a separation agreement obtained by the I-Team, Tomlinson’s former girlfriend resigned in August 2023. She received $100,000 of taxpayers money as part of a settlement.

The settlement was made after she left the office, retained an attorney and sent a document to the prosecutor’s office. The settlement agreement states she “has informally raised concerns and claims related to her employment and the separation.” The separation agreement does not state the concerns.

Commissioners approved the settlement in October, but Commissioner Michelle Hung says she was never given the specific reasons for the settlement.

“I shared my concerns with Sheriff Stammitti within the first 48 hours after the vote,” Hung said. “What I was informed prior to the meeting was that it was a legal bill.”

She said she had not seen any of the videos taken from the former employee prior to voting on the matter.

Attorney Jonathan Rosenbaum filed a lawsuit in February on behalf of his client, James Barilla, arguing that the document sent to the office by the former employee’s  attorney is a public record and should be released. Tomlinson is fighting to keep that document secret. That case is pending.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.